New $275,000 truck repaired nine times since May, owner is depressed

“It’s still under warranty so I take it straight back but it’s been nine times and each time I find myself without the truck for a few days.”

In May this year, Singh purchased the heavy truck from UD Truck Distributors in Wiri so that he could move clay, soil, sand and asphalt.

The 2024 UD Quon CW46200 was new, with 665 km on the clock. Singh told the Herald he only drove it 50 km before a warning light flashed on the dashboard.

“It was such a short time and a warning popped up saying there was a clogged fuel filter and to take it to the workshop.

“I did, but since then it has happened continuously and I have returned to the workshop nine times.”

When the light flashes, the truck’s engine vibrates and loses power intermittently, he said.

Messages viewed by Herald show Singh had repeatedly asked UD Truck Distributors for a record of the work done in the workshop. He said no records were ever sent.

“It was only when I said I was going to have to get legal advice that they said they were taking the matter seriously.”

The truck was under warranty for three years, but Singh feared the problem would never be fully repaired.

“They’ve had nine chances to fix it and they still can’t locate the fault, so I’m losing thousands of dollars every time it’s there for repair,” he said.

“I’m also concerned about the damage the breakdown could cause to the rest of the truck.”

He also worried about what would happen when the truck was out of warranty.

Singh now wanted the truck replaced or his money back.

“If they can’t fix the problem and guarantee it won’t happen again, the only right thing is to replace the truck.”

After the Herald called UD Trucks, Singh received a phone call setting up a meeting. He said he was told there were options such as a full repair or replacement of the truck.

However, in an email to Singh the following day from chief executive Colin Muir, Singh was informed that replacing the truck was not yet an option.

“Please understand that UDTD and Commercial Aftersales are committed to you and your vehicle and we will continue to investigate the defect you experienced and rectify any defects that may arise,” Muir said in the email .

“However, there is no offer to provide you with a new truck nor any reasonable arrangements to do so at this time.”

Muir told Singh the truck was not covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Consumer NZ confirmed this, saying business-to-business transactions were not covered by the law.

The truck was also “above the cost and weight limit” covered by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal, which handles disputes up to $100,000.

Consumer NZ suggested anyone in a situation like Singh’s seek legal advice using the sale and purchase agreement as a reference.

UD Trucks did not respond to interview requests from Herald.

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